Ephesians 2:10

Authorized King James Version

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Word-by-Word Analysis

αὐτοῖς

G846

them

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

γάρ

G1063

For

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἐσμεν

G2070

we are

ποίημα

G4161

his workmanship

a product, i.e., fabric (literally or figuratively)

κτισθέντες

G2936

created

to fabricate, i.e., found (form originally)

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

Χριστῷ

G5547

Christ

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

Ἰησοῦ

G2424

Jesus

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

ἐπὶ

G1909

unto

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

#10

ἔργοις

G2041

works

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

#11

ἀγαθοῖς

G18

good

"good" (in any sense, often as noun)

#12

οἷς

G3739

which

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

#13

προητοίμασεν

G4282

hath before ordained

to fit up in advance (literally or figuratively)

#14

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#15

θεὸς

G2316

God

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

#16

ἵνα

G2443

that

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

#17

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#18

αὐτοῖς

G846

them

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

#19

περιπατήσωμεν

G4043

we should walk

to tread all around, i.e., walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively, to live, deport oneself, follow (as a companion or votary)

Cross References

Related verses that illuminate this passage (hover to preview):

¹ James 2:17 James 2:17
Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
— Faith without works is dead
² Titus 2:14 Titus 2:14
Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
— Zealous of good works

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Ephesians Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics

Salvation